Evaluate the role of protected areas in biodiversity conservation in India. How effective have national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves been in preserving India's biodiversity?

Measures to Protect Farmers 1) The food policy should consider the supply-side impact as well: a) Revenue centric and poverty alleviation => MCP should be increased and widen coverage of crops. b) Inflation subsidy on the rate-material and agri-inputs. c) Incentivising farmers for livelihood diversification => agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry etc. d) Development of pension funds for farmers. e) Arbitrary export-import bans should not hurt farmers interest. Thus, farmers constitute UST of the workforce and needs to be equipped with adequate support measures.

The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 provides the legal basis for the creation of wildlife sanctuaries, biosphere reserves, national parks etc. Role of Protected Areas in Biodiversity Conservation 1) Preservation of the keystone and flagship species. Eg: Tiger reserves => increased tiger population to 3600 in 2022. 2) Ecosystem stability and conservation => management of trophic stability and diversified food webs. Eg: National Parks conserve the whole ecosystem from human encroachment.

species-specific projects like Project Cheetah, Rhino, Crocodiles, Elephants etc. 4) Protection of forest cover and ecosystem services => 24 percent of land area. Limitations 1) Continuation of poaching in core zones. Eg: Tigers were killed due to illegal logging in Namdapha Park. 2) Expulsion of mainly tribal and poor people from protected areas. 3) Increasing commercialisation of protected areas => wildlife safari, nature resorts in core zones. Eg: Karnataka highway passes through Nilgiri Park. 4) Increasing human-animal conflict. Eg: Karnataka highway passes through Nilgiri Park. Thus, strict legal penalties, inclusion of local population, increasing awareness about conservation measures can improve efficiency.